IES Blog

Why a Succession Plan is Essential for Every HR Manager

Posted on October 5th, 2016 Read time: 2 minutes

As important as succession planning is for every business, very few companies successfully create and implement such a plan. Find out what a succession plan entails, why it helps your organization, and how you can implement one now.

What Is Succession Planning?

 Succession planning is the process you use for recruiting and developing employees for each role within your company. You hire top talent for each position, develop their skills and abilities, and train them to advance within your business. By continually preparing workers for other responsibilities, you ensure that every role in your organization remains filled when employees become ill, get promoted, or leave your company. Because you’ll have adequate time for replacing staff members when necessary, you can hold out for stronger hires – rather than choosing an employee who doesn’t completely fill your requirements.

What Are Some Benefits of Planning?

 Succession planning benefits your employees in various ways. Knowing they’re actively being trained for promotions makes them feel like valued members of your organization. Staff members are more engaged in their tasks, focused on developing their careers, and eager to remain loyal to your company. In addition, having a supervisor work with team members in gaining the skills and experience required for advancement teaches your employees to work collaboratively for greater output. Additionally, because managers know in which areas staff members provide the most value, they’re better equipped for recommending team members when a position opens up.

Succession planning provides many benefits for employers, as well. Because staff members promote their employer’s mission and vision by achieving their business goals, replacing employees when necessary helps business owners continue reaching their objectives. Workers may fill new roles as the business expands its product or service line. In addition, by having employees work together and increase company output, they also increase the company’s bottom line.

How Can I Help Develop Employees?

 Various methods may be used in preparing your staff members for succession planning. Assigning employees to special projects, especially with leadership roles, is a productive start. Providing internal and external training related to other organizational roles is also beneficial. Lateral moves aid the employee development process, as well.


Succession planning is an essential part of ensuring the continuity of your business. For further help with HR functions, get in touch with the professionals at Innovative Employee Solutions today!

Related Articles